The Plaza

I’m taking a break from the Camino gang tonight and sitting by myself on the Plaza in Najera. It’s not a typical plaza next to the town church, it’s along the sparkling river. But it’s 7:45 and the space is filled with people of all ages eating tapas, visiting, and drinking beer and wine. There are lots of families here, too, gathered with friends, and the kids have full reign of the space, riding scooters, practicing soccer moves, and chasing each other. It’s wonderful. Every night along the Camino I’ve seen the same thing. People go home in the afternoon for siesta time, and then reemerge (and businesses reopen) at 7:00. They seem to enjoy this communal time together. It reminds me of coffee hour at Trinity, when the kids climb the tree and race around the courtyard. Spain seems to have a wonderful sense of community.